Parking out back.

August 31, 2020

Day 1,425

Thankful for: 

Mondays. 

Sweet students. 

Another easy week before virtual learning starts. 

The promise of a four day weekend at the end of this week. 

Times when I can sit quietly during recess and just think. 

Times when I can sit quietly during recess and pray. 

Coffee in the morning. 

Tea after lunch. 

Leaving at 4:00 pm on the dot. 

Parking out back so I can leave without having to talk to people on the way out. 

Having a large, cold classroom this year. 

Having a door I can open when I get hot. 

Lovely Sunday funday.

August 30, 2020

Day 1,424

Thankful for: 

a lovely morning with Matt. 

time to do lawn work outside with Matt. 

time with my babies. 

pasta, bread, and cheese for dinner. 

ice cream for dessert. 

a clean floor and kitchen. 

plans to do lots of yardscaping during the winter; I'm excited about it. 

a visit with Patty and her kids and my mom and dad. 

a long nap on the couch. 

time to play outside. 

kids playing outside in bare feet. 

cool air in the evening. 

Short list.

August 29, 2020

Day 1,423

Thankful for: 

time spent with Patty at school getting her room ready. 

a very rainy morning. 

a relaxing day at home with all the greatest loves of my life. 

Friday five.

August 28, 2020

Day 1,422

Thankful for: 

A day called Friday. 

Friday nights. 

My family. 

Our good health. 

Our beautiful, cozy, comfortable home. 

Rain in the forecast.

August 27, 2020

Day 1,421

Thankful for: 

only one more day until the weekend. 

rain in the forecast for the weekend. 

time at home with my babies and my man. 

my classroom. 

my students. 

my job. 

our home. 

food to eat. 

a cozy bed to sleep in. 

Higbee. 

The drive to school.

August 26, 2020

Day 1,420

Thankful for: 

a good day at school; I met my second group of sweet students. 

it was a good first day of school for Addy and Tobin, too. 

it was fun to drive to school and drive home with my babies...we haven't done that since last March. 

time at home. 

time to be with my family. 

texts from Matt. 

Home-y-ist home.

August 25, 2020

Day 1,419

Thankful for: 

A good first day of school. 

Sweet students. 

A good lunch. 

Being able to drive home after work. 

Time with my babies after work. 

Good health. 

The home-y-ist home there ever was; ours. 

The instant pot.

August 24, 2020

Day 1,418

     Today was my virtual meet and greet for my new 3rd grade students. It's going to be a very different year, but it's going to be a good one. I'm excited to be back in the classroom tomorrow. My kids were able to play with their cousins today. They had a fun day as well. Today, I'm thankful for: 

rain storms. 

dark clouds. 

laughter. 

dancing in the car to fun music. 

hugs from my babies. 

kisses from my babies. 

texts from my husband. 

checking in on Marco Polo with my cousin Lauren. 

the instant pot; I can make dinner for tomorrow while I get ready for bed tonight. 

Higbee; he's the sweetest boy ever. 

tomatoes and green beans from my deck garden. 

ice cream. 

lunch made and ready for tomorrow. 

a clean, fresh, new classroom ready for new students tomorrow. 

a clean kitchen. 

a hot mug of tea. 

time to sleep. 

things to be thankful for. 

Adelyn's 10th Birthday Celebration!!!

August 23, 2020

Day 1,417

     Thankful for Adelyn. She's my hero. She has rescued me more times than I can remember. When I lost River, Adelyn was my lighthouse when I was drowning in a dark, stormy ocean. She's still my lighthouse. She loves people deeply. She's strong. She's not afriad to tell it like it is. She's bold. She's brave. She's a leader. She thinks for herself. I have done nothing in my life to deserve the amazing gift that is Adelyn. It was a grand day. We had pizza, salad, cake, ice cream, and opened presents. It was an amazing day. 

     Thankful for Adelyn Bailey Sanderson. 

Time.

August 22, 2020

Day 1,416

Thankful for: 

time to drive and listen to music. 

time to be alone. 

time to run errands. 

time to grocery shop. 

time with my husband. 

time with my babies. 

time to clean. 

time to relax. 

time to sleep. 

Time to sleep.

August 21, 2020

Day 1,415

     I'm so exhaused I can hardly keep my eyes open, so I'm going to make this quick: 

I'm thankful for: 

-the feeling of being done with my classroom setup. 

-the feeling of being done with my lesson plans and newsletter. 

-coming home after a long day of working hard. 

-time to be quiet and still in the car on the way home. 

-grocery shopping to do tomorrow for Adelyn's birthday. 

-time to sleep. 

-peaches. 

-hot tea. 

-time to laugh and hang out with my sister. 

-my family. 

-a fun birthday celebration coming up on Sunday. 

Adelyn's 10th birthday!

August 20, 2020

Day 1,412

     Today was Adelyn's 10th birthday. Here are the things we did: 

1. We served Adelyn breakfast in bed. Chick-fil-a! 

2. I had to work, but Matt spent the day making sure Adelyn had a very fun birthday. He took the kids to an indoor putt-putt place with an arcade. 

3. I came home early from work so that I could make Adelyn's favorite dinner: corned beef and cabbage. 

4. We had watermelon ombre cake from Wegman's for dessert. With ice cream. 

5. Adelyn got the new American Girl doll: Joss. 

6. She also got a Harry Potter costume, a sorting hat, some rainbow hair barbies, and some other little new things for her doll. 

     Adelyn is a beautiful person. She makes every day merry and cheery and bright. She will always be my lighthouse. I am so thankful that I get to call her mine. I don't deserve such a beautiful person to call my own. 

Coming up fast.

August 19, 2020

Day 1,411

Thankful for: 

a productive day at work. 

lunch with a friend and my sister. 

tacos. 

cool mornings. 

cool breezes in the middle of the day in the shade. 

my classroom is almost set up. 

coming home to my family. 

being able to spend a little time with my mom before she left. 

my haircut; now every day is a good hair day. 

a new school year coming up fast. 

The Sanderson Motel

August 18, 2020

Day 1,410

     Today was a good day. It was my second day back to work for this new school year. I almost have my classroom ready to go. I went to lunch with Patty and Heidi. We got MOD pizza. It was delicious. It was good to have time to talk and eat lunch together. We had tacos for dinner. I love tacos on Tuesday nights. We had leftover birthday cake for dessert. Matt helped me clean the kitchen. I spent some time cleaning the house. Adelyn and Tobin got dressed up and turned our house into a hotel. They welcomed their guest, my mom, into the house by meeting her in the driveway. Tobin was holding a little fox lantern and wearing a tux. Adelyn was wearing a black flowered dress and a little black shrug. They carried my mom's bags in. They had a door number on the door to Tobin's room: 51. They gave her a set of keys. There was a chocolate on the pillow. There was a towel, a washcloth, and hand towel folded neatly on the bed. There was a plate with a cookie on it. I was the "maid," so I was asked to bring up a cup of tea for the guest. It's always fun to see my babies be imaginative. 

     Thankful for many good things in this day. I don't deserve so many. 

Nine years in heaven.

August 17, 2020

Day 1,409

     Today I am thankful for: 

River. 

August 17th. 

Patty. 

Chelsea. 

My family. 

Texts from friends. 

Wildflower bouquets. 

Birthday cake. 

Ice cream. 

Phone calls. 

Time to cry. 

Time to remember. 

Time to celebrate. 

Time to mourn. 

Time to pray. 

The Sweetest Sunday.

August 16, 2020

Day 1,408

     Today was the loveliest day ever. My mom, Patty, Sophia, Adelyn, and I went to the American Girl Doll Bistro in Tysons Corner. It was such an amazing time! 

 

     After we got home, we got back in the car and headed to my brother's for dinner. It's always good to see family! 

     Today, I am thankful for: dinner with family, good food, time with the girls this morning, a very sweet time at the American Girl Store Bistro, a sweet birthday celebration for my soon to be 10 year old girl, seeing Addy and Sophia have fun together, my daughter. 

Ten things.

August 15, 2020

Day 1,407

     Today, I'm thankful for a lovely day of visiting people and running errands. 

1. Tobin got a haircut. 

2. I went to the bank. 

3. We stopped by Jen and Jason's house and visited with Jen, Keira, and Magilla. 

4. We went to my parent's house to visit with Shane, Cheyenne, Ryker, Oliver, Josuke, and my parents. 

5. We went to visit Jeff and Gary. 

6. We got fries and milkshakes. 

7. The kids got showers when we got home, and now they're playing video games because it's rainning outside. 

8. When I'm done writing, I'm going to watch Dr. Quinn and make food for tomorrow. We're having a potluck dinner at Shane and Cheyenne's. 

9. Tomorrow, I'm taking Adelyn to the American Girl Doll Cafe with Patty, Sophia, and my mom. She doesn't know yet, but I'm very excited about it. 

10. Higbee is very cuddly after a long day at home by himself. I love cuddly Higbee! 

Haircut.

August 14, 2020

Day 1,406

Today, I am thankful for time with my sister and my mom. I'm thankful for time to drive into Oldtown Alexandria and see my friends at Stylists@North. I'm thankful for the best haircut ever. I'm thankful to feel like a human being again. Like a woman again. I feel like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I'm thankful that I got to have dinner at my mom and dad's house with my parents and Patty. I'm thankful for delicious pizza. I'm thankful for a milkshake at the end of the day with Patty. I thankful that Matt and my children told me that I looked pretty when I got home. I'm thankful that my babies were happy to see me. 

One sentence.

August 13, 2020

Day 1,405

Thankful for: 

a very lazy day spent at home relaxing and lazing about on the sofa watching Harry Potter and eating good food and ice cream with the ones I love. 

My.

August 12, 2020

Day 1,404

Today, I am thankful for: 

My home. 

My husband. 

My kids. 

My dog. 

My trees. 

My bed. 

My sister. 

My family. 

My friends. 

My collection of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman dvds. 

My books. 

My music. 

My life. 

Seven surprises.

August 11, 2020

Day 1,403

     Today was full of surprises: 

1. After work, I got to drive over and visit with Patty, Armando, Casey, Sophia, Odette, Susan, Lukas, and Liam because Matt, Adelyn, and Tobin were over there swimming. There was delicious pizza for dinner and good conversation and kids playing. 

2. I had a great phone converation with Stephanie today. It's always good to talk with my sister. 

3. We went over to see Matt's mom, Steph, and Mario this evening. We had ice cream and laughs and talks on the deck. The kids picked tomatoes from the garden, and got new face maks from Matt's mom. "Made with love," she said as she handed them to the kids. 

4. I don't have to work again until next Monday. 

5. We are going to do putt-putt golf tomorrow before all the rain comes. 

6. I got an important paper signed that I need for work. 

7. I got two emails that made me happy. One from a former student informing me of a movie coming out about a book I read to them. It makes me so happy that those stories stick with them. The other email was from the parent of a new student. She thanked me for my patience and enthusiasm. She said she's very happy that her son is in my class this year. 

Indeed.

August 10, 2020

Day 1,402

     Today was a good day. The kids and I went swimming with Patty and her kids and her two nephews. It was fun to swim and splash and feel cool water. I am so wanting to feel cold air; I can. not. wait. for. fall. I've seen lots of spiders around the house at night lately. That's one sign that fall is coming. School starts next week. For the first time in months, I will have to get up at a certain time, very early, shower, dress, and drive to school with the kids. I'm not sure I'm ready for it. Actually...no. Not ready for it. Glad I still have several days before that happens. Summer time is so sweet. And it passes so quickly it makes my heart ache. I enjoyed this day with my babies and my other babies and my sister. I enjoyed playing and laughing and being carefree with them. These days are the stuff that childhood is made of. 

     Water. Sunshine. Wet bathing suits and towels. Hot dogs for dinner. Ice cream and pops for dessert. Sweet summertime indeed. 

A very fine Sunday, indeed.

August 9, 2020

Day 1,401

     Today, we celebrated Matt's birthday. We had burgers, hot dogs, steak, mac salad, chips, and lemon bundt cake. We had family over and spent time laughing, talking, and eating. Thankful for a day with family. Thankful for a day to celebrate Matt. Thankful for signs of fall coming soon--lots of spiders, and some leaves are changing colors. Thankful for time spent with my babies today. Adelyn and Tobin are the greatest gifts I've ever been given. Thankful for time spent with my other babies--Casey, Sophia, and Odette. They are also the greatest gifts I've ever been given. Thankful for Adelyn's birthday coming up soon. Thankful for a new school year ahead. Thankful for Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and a portable DVD player so I can watch one of my favorite shows while I cook and clean the kitchen. Thankful for a new week starting tomorrow. 

Incredible little beings.

August 8, 2020

Day 1,400

     Thankful for a day spent entirely at home. Thankful for a gentle breeze. Thankful for signs that fall will be here soon. Thankful for my children and the sound of them playing happily. Thankful for easy meals. Thankful for time to cook and bake for my husband's birthday celebration tomorrow. Thankful that I can send my kids down the driveway to get the mail and not worry about them. Thankful for a clean house, a clean kitchen, and nothing to do tomorrow except cook, enjoy family visiting, and celebrate my love. Thankful for time to lay in bed with my babies and read to them. We've started reading Harry Potter. I love reading to Adelyn and Tobin. Thankful for the way that they care about me. I had a horrible stomachache this morning, and they prayed for me and looked after me. I don't deserve them. They are such incredible little beings. 

Matt's Birthday.

 August 7, 2020

Day 1,399

     Today was Matt's birthday. It was a lovely day. He came home from work in the morning, so he slept in for a while. When he woke up, I made sausage and french toast for breakfast. We spent the day relaxing and enjoying each other's company. One of Matt's birthday gifts from his mom were lanterns for our front porch and uplighting for our trees, so we spent some time setting those lights up. We love to make our home beautiful. For dinner, I made fried chicken and mashed potatoes. I made a chocolate chip cheesecake for dessert. Everything was delicious. We got him cornhole as a gift because he loves to play games. The kids gave him cards, and I gave him a love letter. 

     Thankful for Matt. Thankful for a lovely day with him. Thankful that we get to celebrate him some more this Sunday. Thankful for how much he loves me and our babies. Thankful for the way his eyes smile when he smiles. Thankful for the color of his eyes, and the shape of his hands. Thankful for everything about my sweet, sweet husband. God knew I needed him. He's one of my greatest gifts. 

Better, lovely, light.

August 6, 2020

Day 1,398

     Adelyn and Tobin. Two little names for two little people that bring me immeasurable joy. They make every day bright and jolly and full. I don't deserve even an ounce of the happiness that they bring me. They are bright lights in the darkness. They are ice cold water on the hottest day. They are the joyful noise that pierces the silence. They are Christmas bells ringing on Christmas Day. They are fireworks on the Fourth of July. They are an unexpected snow day. They are my home. 

     Thankful for my loves. They make everything better and lovely and light. 

Dark roads.

August 5, 2020

Day 1,397

     Today was good. Matt and I took the kids to Target to get new bookbags and lunchboxes. We also got them new suitcases while we were there. Addy and Tobin were very excited about their new items. Addy got a blue and pink puma bookpack and a matching lunchbox. Tobin got a Harry Potter bookbag and a matching lunchbox. I got a new planner and some new notebooks. They're really pretty. We went to visit with Patty, Armando, and their kids for a while. Then we came home and had tacos and watched Harry Potter. I got to hang out with Patty at night. We went shopping for Matt's birthday, got ice cream sundaes, and then we went grocery shopping. There is something so satisfying about driving down dark roads with my sister and the music turned all the way up. 

     Thankful for bookbags and lunchboxes. Thankful for leftover tacos. Thankful for the Harry Potter movies. Thankful for Patty. Thankful for ice cream sundaes. Thankful for dark roads and loud music.